About me

Hello, my name's Michelle and I've been working as a counsellor, and counselling supervisor for over thirteen years, both in my own private practice, and also as a volunteer in a local bereavement charity. From my personal experience I know it's not unusual to find ourselves going through emotional and practical difficulties in our lives from time to time. Most of the time we can deal with these, but sometimes these difficulties can escalate, or we find ourselves trying to deal with one thing after another, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted, or suffering from depression or panic attacks. It may not be easy to talk to family or friends about the way we are feeling - perhaps we don't want to worry them, feel embarrassed, or believe they won't understand. It could be that we're experiencing problems within our relationship and subsequently don't have anyone to share our worries with. This can often leave us feeling lonely and unsure about what to do next. For this reason, talking with a counsellor may be helpful, and feel reassuring when it seems like we can't find a way through our problems.

My approach is gentle, accepting and down-to-earth. I always try to create a safe, friendly and trusting environment where you can feel at ease, and be able to talk openly about your concerns. I will be honest about whether I think I can help you, and about which counselling approach may be best for your particular problems. I'm not going to judge you and am here to help you talk through the difficulties that you are struggling with. I can offer Humanistic counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT), and we can talk about which of these might be more suitable.

The counselling sessions are held in a peaceful and confidential setting within my own home, where you will be able to talk without being disturbed. There is safe parking on my driveway if you are travelling by car.

If it's more convenient, I also offer a home visiting service within the local area, but you would need a private room for us to work in where we won't be overheard, and where you feel at ease. At the moment (June) my home visit slots are all taken, but it may still be worth enquiring if you haven't found help anywhere else.

I've worked with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, bereavement, relationship and family difficulties, LGBT, and abuse and anger, and would be very happy to talk with you about any worries you may have. If you would like to call, we can discuss your concerns over the 'phone, and this will also give you a chance to decide whether counselling is for you. If you prefer, you can e-mail me with any questions, and where possble I will get back to you the same day.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their ethical framework.

Counselling Workshops:-Sexuality AwarenessArt in TherapyCounselling the YoungNon-Verbal CommunicationCounselling the Older ClientCounselling Children and Young PeopleNew Thinking Around Bereavement Counselling

Additional BACP Courses related to supervision:-Supervision: How to support your supervisees through the counsellor/psychotherapist accreditation process.Preparing for Supervision and getting the best out of it.

I have worked in private practice for nine years, and in addition to this, have been a volunteer bereavement counsellor for the last ten years, and have attended many workshops related to this and other counselling issues.

I also work as a supervisor for both qualified counsellors and student counsellors.

Photos & videos

Fees

First sessions which last for half an hour are free of charge. During the session you will be able to decide whether you think counselling is for you, and also whether you feel comfortable with me. Just like in any healthy relationship, it is important to feel that you can trust the person that you are discussing your deepest feelings with, and know that you can be open and honest about your thoughts and worries without being judged.

I would never put any obligation on you to book your next session as I think it's helpful to go away and think about whether you believe counselling is appropriate for your problems. If you choose to go ahead, hourly sessions are then £35.00 per session, or £40.00 per session for home visits, and you can contact me via text, 'phone or e-mail.

I offer reduced rates for students and anyone on a low income, and would be happy to discuss this with you.

I also offer flexible hours for counselling sessions beginning at 8.30a.m and including lunchtimes and evenings (latest evening appointment 6.00p.m until 7.00p.m).

Please note that currently I'm fully booked until the beginning of October. If you are happy to wait until then, please feel free to contact me to arrange an appointment.

Further information

If you have any questions please feel free to ring me and I will be happy to give you more details. If you find you are directed to my answer machine please leave a message and a convenient time to call, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. I'm the only person who will access your message and it will be treated in confidence. Alternatively, you can e-mail me with your queries if that's more convenient.

Maps & Directions

Type of session

Practical details

Availability

Monday - Thursday, 8.30am until 7.00pm. Please enquire if your availability is outside of these areas.

Types of client

Adults

Older adults

Organisations

Employee Assistance Programme

Supervision & training

I have been a supervisor for several years and provide counselling supervision for students and qualified counsellors. I understand how important it is to find a supervisor that you feel comfortable with and would be very happy to have a chat and discuss your individual needs over the telephone, or alternatively you can e-mail me with any queries.